Godwin of Wessex, also known as Godwine, Goodwin, Godwyn or Goodwyn (1001– April 15, 1053) was one of the most powerful lords in England under the Danish king Canute the Great and his successors. Canute made him the first Earl of Wessex. Godwin was the father of King Harold Godwinson and Edith of Wessex, wife of King Edward the Confessor.